I am Looking To Invest In Costa Rica And Thinking Of Becoming A Resident: How Can I Obtain An Investor Temporary Residency (Inversionista)?

by Quatro Legal Immigration Team | Jan. 2, 2024 | Article, Immigration

Costa Rica is a vibrant country that welcomes investors from around the globe with its attractive residency programs. One such opportunity is the Investor Temporary Residency, known locally as “Inversionista,” which allows individuals to invest in Costa Rica and get temporary residency status.

This option requires a minimum investment in various sectors such as real estate, projects deemed of national interest, or reforestation efforts. Quatro Legal, with years of experience in immigration law within Costa Rica, guides clients through this process efficiently.

The firm’s expertise ensures that applicants understand the requirements for themselves and any dependents they may have. Whether one aims to live permanently or partake in business ventures within Costa Rican borders, understanding these legal pathways is crucial.

With offices across key locations like San Jose and Guanacaste, Quatro Legal offers personalized support to meet each client’s needs.

Investing in Costa Rica opens doors to living amidst breathtaking landscapes and paves the way for potential permanent residency after three years. Discover how one can start this journey to becoming an investor resident by following clear steps laid out by seasoned legal experts at Quaro Legal.

 

Investor Temporary Residency Requirements

To get an investor temporary residency in Costa Rica, one must meet certain conditions. These include putting a specific amount of money into the country through investments like buying land or starting a business.

The program also looks at if your family can join you and how you can become a permanent resident later on. It’s key to pick the right kind of investment to qualify for this visa.

 

Investment Minimums

To qualify for the investor temporary residency, known as Inversionista, individuals must invest at least $150,000. This investment can go into various fields such as businesses, industries, real estate projects in Costa Rica.

Making this investment is the first big step for expatriates aiming to live in Costa Rica and eventually apply for permanent residency. The amount ensures that investors are seriously committed to contributing to Costa Rica’s economy and opens the door for them and their families to start a new life in this beautiful country.

 

Eligibility for Families and Dependents

Married couples and applicants with dependents can apply for the investor temporary residency in Costa Rica. This policy allows families to stay together while exploring investment opportunities.

For instance, when one applies for this visa, their spouse and children also become eligible to live in Costa Rica under the same application. This inclusive approach ensures that moving to a new country does not mean leaving loved ones behind.

The Costa Rican government recognizes the importance of family unity in the residency by investment program, making it easier for investors to make this significant move with their families intact.

 

Duration and Path to Permanent Residency

Investor temporary residency in Costa Rica lasts for two years. After this period, investors can renew their status. They must live in Costa Rica for at least one day each year during this time.

Following three years under investor temporary residency, individuals are eligible to apply for permanent residency. This shift from temporary to permanent status allows them to fully integrate into the Costa Rican community and culture without the need to renew their residency periodically.

This path provides a clear and structured way for investors looking to make Costa Rica more than just an investment location but a long-term home.

 

Types of Qualifying Investments

Costa Rica allows several investments for obtaining investor temporary residency. Investors can choose from projects that are good for the country, real estate, personal property within Costa Rica, company shares or securities, and reforestation areas.

Each investment path serves different interests. For example, putting money into lucrative projects supports development in Costa Rica. Buying real estate or personal property helps investors own a piece of this beautiful country.

Investing in shares strengthens ties to the national economy, while funding reforestation initiatives contributes to environmental conservation.

To qualify for the investor visa program in Costa Rica, individuals must meet specific investment amounts. This ensures their commitment aligns with the nation’s economic growth and sustainability efforts.

Those aiming for residency through investment need to ensure their chosen path reflects a solid contribution toward fostering prosperity within Costa Rican borders while also setting themselves on a path toward potential permanent residence status in the future.

 

Detailed Requirements for Investment Types

To invest in Costa Rica and get a temporary residency, you need to know the different ways you can invest. This includes putting money into businesses, buying land or houses, or helping forests grow.

Each choice has its own set of rules like how much money you must spend and what proof you must show. To learn more about these rules to make your investment journey smooth, keep reading our guide.

 

Project Feasibility Study Requirements

For lucrative projects or those of national interest in Costa Rica, a project feasibility study is crucial. This study proves the project’s potential success and benefits to the country.

It must detail how the investment meets economic, social, and environmental goals. Investors must show data on job creation, income generation, and any positive impact on local communities.

The study also needs approval from relevant Costa Rican authorities. These include environmental agencies for green investments or cultural bodies for projects related to heritage.

This step confirms that the project aligns with national regulations and priorities.

 

Real Estate and Personal Property Investment Proofs

Expatriates must show solid proof of their investment to qualify for Costa Rica’s investor residency. This ensures they meet the necessary conditions set by Costa Rican immigration authorities.

1. Official Title Deed: Presents clear ownership of real estate, registered under the investor’s name with the National Registry.

2. Property Value Assessment: A certified appraisal report that confirms the property meets the minimum USD investment required for the investor visa in Costa Rica.

3. Bank Statements: Evidence of fund transfer from a foreign bank to a Costa Rican bank account for investment purposes.

4. Purchase Contracts: Legal documents that prove the transaction between buyer and seller for both real estate and personal property investments.

5. Certification by Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in Costa Rica: Verifies the actual amount invested in property or business within Costa Rica’s borders.

6. Receipts of Payment: Show clear proof of all payments made towards purchasing property or establishing a business.

7. Photos and Location Maps: Provide visual confirmation of the investment, including exact geographic location details.

8. Project Descriptions: For business investments, include detailed plans outlining the nature, scope, and potential impact on Costa Rica’s economy or environment.

9. Body Certifying Reforestation Investment (if applicable): Present certification from environmental agencies approving reforestation projects as valid investments towards obtaining a residency permit.

These documents play a crucial role in securing an investor temporary residency by demonstrating a legitimate commitment to contributing economically to Costa Rica.

 

Certification for Reforestation Investment

For expatriates interested in Costa Rica’s citizenship by investment or residency application, investing in reforestation is a unique pathway. The government requires certification of an initial investment in reforestation plantations.

This means investors need to show they have put money into planting new trees on designated lands. To do this, one must obtain official proof from the environmental agency that oversees these projects.

This document confirms your commitment to improving Costa Rica’s natural landscapes and contributes to your eligibility for investor temporary residency.

Investors should ensure their investments meet the minimum set by Costa Rican laws. This involves selecting a valid reforestation project and securing all necessary permits from the country’s environmental bodies.

Once these steps are complete, you can include this certification with your residency visa or golden visa application, showcasing your contribution to Costa Rica’s environment and moving closer to gaining residency or even dual citizenship through real estate investment and other forms approved by the department of immigration.

 

Application Steps and Legal Guidance

For the application process, it is key to have all needed papers ready. Quatro Legal offers expert help to guide you through these steps. They make sure your forms and documents meet Costa Rica’s rules.

This way, you can apply for investor residency without worry.

 

Residency Application Essentials

To obtain residency in Costa Rica, investors must gather specific documents. These include completed immigration forms, an application letter stating their investment purpose, and a special power of attorney.

They also need to pay immigration fees and provide passport-size photos. Fingerprints form part of the process for personal identification. Expatriates should register with the consulate and submit their birth certificate along with a criminal record report from their home country.

Each document plays a crucial role in ensuring that expatriates can legally gain residency and enjoy living in Costa Rica as investors.

Quatro Legal advises on correctly submitting these documents for the investor’s visa process. Their expertise helps simplify obtaining temporary residence permits by guiding investments in real estate or business ventures within Costa Rica’s favorable environment for foreign investors.

This step-by-step legal support ensures applications meet all requirements set by Costa Rican immigration law, leading to successful residency approval for expatriates looking to invest in one of Central America’s most attractive countries.

 

Legal Support from Quatro Legal

Quatro Legal offers expert legal advice for those looking to obtain Costa Rica investor visas. With offices in San Jose, Guanacaste, and Manuel Antonio, they provide comprehensive support for temporary residency applications as an investor.

Clients can easily reach out through a free consultation form on their website, ensuring personalized guidance every step of the way. Their team specializes in immigration matters, making the residency process smooth for expatriates interested in investing or moving to this Central American nation.

Documentation and Immigration Forms Submission

Submitting the right documents is key to applying for investor temporary residency in Costa Rica. Expatriates must gather all necessary paperwork accurately and submit it within the specified timeframe.

1. Complete all required immigration forms with current and correct information.

2. Obtain a special power of attorney, allowing a legal representative from Quatro Legal to act on your behalf in Costa Rica.

3. Draft an application letter that clearly states your request for investor temporary residency, highlighting your investment in Costa Rica.

4. Pay the immigration fees associated with the residency application process. This fee covers the cost of processing your application by Costa Rican authorities.

5. Include proof of investment that meets or exceeds the minimum required amount for qualifying investments in real estate, property, or business ventures.

6. Attach a certification for reforestation investment if this applies to your chosen form of investment, showing commitment to environmental sustainability.

7. Provide financial statements or bank records as evidence of sufficient funds to support yourself and any dependents during your stay in Costa Rica.

8. Submit copies of passports for all family members applying, ensuring each passport is valid for at least six months beyond the anticipated date of entry into Costa Rica.

9. Include birth certificates and marriage certificates (if applicable) to establish relationships between applicants and dependants.

10. Ensure all documents are officially translated into Spanish by a certified translator recognized by Costa Rican authorities.

Gathering these documents carefully and submitting them promptly will smooth the path toward obtaining investor temporary residency and beginning a new chapter in Costa Rica.

 

Conclusion

Investing in Costa Rica and applying for Investor Temporary Residency offers a clear path to living in this beautiful country. Quatro Legal provides expert legal help for the entire process.

With a minimum investment of $150,000, investors can choose from business ventures, real estate, shares or securities, and reforestation projects. These options allow for temporary residency and pave the way to permanent living after three years.

For those looking to invest and become residents of Costa Rica, starting with the right legal support is crucial for success. Contact us for more information.

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Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog post is for general informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute legal advice. While we strive to ensure the accuracy and timeliness of the content, laws and regulations are subject to change. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, please contact our office directly. Some images may be AI generated.

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